SPANISH FORT, Ala. — When Spanish Fort Middle School students run their training laps Friday alongside Principal Craig Ross, rest assured they have their eyes on the prize.

Proceeds from the sponsored laps run during their respective physical-education classes will go toward the $50,000 needed to build a special-needs playground.

The playground will be constructed for Project Reach, a comprehensive program for children with autism and related communication disorders that prohibit their successful participation in the general education program.

The SFMS program — staffed with highly qualified experts in autism — serves middle-school children countywide, offering students with autism communication skills, behavior modification and access to sensory activities in a structured, caring environment.

Ross said 10 students, including both multi-disabled and those with autism, are enrolled in the middle-school program, traveling from as far away as Foley, Summerdale, Loxley and Daphne to participate.

According to the Autism Society of America, the developmental disability is a complex neurological condition that typically appears during the first three years of life, affecting communication skills and social interaction. Although exact figures for the number of diagnosed cases in the state of Alabama are not available, the most recent statistics from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention indicate one in 150 individuals will be diagnosed along the autism spectrum, meaning as many as 30,000 Alabamians could be living with the disorder.

“The students in Project Reach are some of the most cherished students we have here at SFMS. They go through life with a smile on their faces and kindness in their hearts every day. I want this fundraiser to benefit them because they are some of the most selfless individuals I know,” said Ross, a triathlete who will be competing in his second Ironman event Nov. 28.

Ross has organized a junior version of the triple-event competition called “Going the Distance for Kids” slated for Oct. 23 at the Daphne YMCA. In preparation for the larger event, the middle school’s parking lot in front of the gym will be cordoned off Friday, creating a .2-mile track, and students are seeking per-lap sponsors as well as flat donations toward the playground fund.

“I want to be able to provide our Project Reach students with not only an outstanding education but also an environment where they have everything they need.  It is really important to their growth and development to be able to get physical exercise and have the opportunity to be able to free play. This playground will not only increase that beautiful smile on their face, it will make them healthier and stronger,” Ross said.

All pledges for the Oct. 15 “training day” are tax deductible and checks should be made out to SFMS. Pledge forms were sent home with each student, and forms are also available on the school’s website at www.spanishfortmiddle.com.

Ironman Jr. Youth Triathlon

Who: Any child, age 8-15

When: 8 a.m. Oct. 23

Where: Daphne YMCA

Why: To help raise funds for the middle-school special-needs children of Baldwin  County. Proceeds will be used to build a playground for these students.

Distances: 50-yard swim; 3-mile bike ride; 1-mile run

Entry fee: $20 (make check payable to Spanish Fort Middle School)

Entry forms: Available at the SFMS front desk or at www.spanishfortmiddle.com.

Completed forms and entry fees can be submitted to Spanish Fort Middle School,

33899 Jimmy Faulkner Drive, Spanish Fort, Ala. 36527.